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| Dwarka Expressway: Enhancing Delhi-Gurugram Connectivity [Source: Jagran English] |
In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway, marking a monumental stride in India’s infrastructure development. Spanning 19 kilometers, this segment, crafted at a cost of ₹4,100 crore, is an integral part of the nation’s premier 8-lane expressway initiative, envisioned to streamline traffic flow and alleviate congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on National Highway (NH)-48.
Key Details of the Haryana Section:
The newly inaugurated stretch encompasses two vital sections:
- A 10.2-kilometer span from the Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB).
- An 8.7-kilometer tract from Basai ROB to Kherki Daula.
This segment serves as a direct conduit linking the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi to the Gurugram Bypass, facilitating seamless vehicular movement.
Overview of the Dwarka Expressway:
With a total expenditure of ₹9,000 crore, the Dwarka Expressway is compartmentalized into four distinct segments:
- The initial two stretches, spanning 10 kilometers, lie within Delhi.
- The subsequent sections, totaling approximately 19 kilometers, are situated in Gurugram.
Originating from Shiv Murti near Mahipalpur on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, the expressway traverses through Dwarka Sector 21, the Gurugram border, Basai, before culminating near Kherki Daula on the National Highway. It epitomizes India's maiden fully access-controlled, grade-separated 14-lane expressway, poised to redefine transportation infrastructure standards in the country.
Unique Features and Challenges:
The Dwarka Expressway boasts several distinctive attributes, including four multi-level interchanges featuring tunnels or underpasses, an at-grade road section, an elevated flyover, and an overpass atop the initial flyover. A standout feature is India’s pioneering 4-kilometer-long 8-lane tunnel near Indira Gandhi International Airport, recognized as a ‘shallow tunnel’ due to airspace restrictions.
Commencing from an interchange comprising two underpasses beneath NH 48, integrated with an elevated corridor, the expressway promises enhanced connectivity and efficiency.
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Pollution:
With NH 48 witnessing the transit of over 3 lakh vehicles daily, the Dwarka Expressway project aims to mitigate traffic congestion, minimize productivity losses attributed to traffic snarls, and curb vehicular emissions in the Delhi NCR region.
Construction Timeline and Delays:
Commencing in 2018, the construction of the Dwarka Expressway initially targeted completion by 2021. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, project timelines faced extensions. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has affirmed the project's entirety will conclude by August this year.
The inauguration of the Haryana segment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies a pivotal leap towards augmenting connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in the Delhi-Gurugram vicinity. As India continues to invest in futuristic infrastructure, endeavors like the Dwarka Expressway are poised to catalyze economic growth and enhance citizens' quality of life.